Adjustable wad device for hunting and shooting cartridges



June 29, 1965 A. VECCHIO-r11 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING CARTRIDGES 4Sheets-'Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 16, 1963 .mg Q h.

ATTORNEYS- June 29, 1965 A. vl-:c'zcHlo'rTl 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING CARTRIDGES Filed Jan. 16,1963 4 Sheets-SheeRl INVENTOR BY Wulf/ido P M ATTORNEYS June 29,v 1965 lA. vEccHlo-rTl 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOCTING CARTRIDGES Filed Jan. 16,1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 DIF FERE NCE 95 SHOTS HDRE SHOTS 27e AvERAaDIFFERENCE 30 SHOTS MORE suos gig AVERAGE A 363 DIFFERENCE 5S SHOTS MOREDIFFERENCE la?. SHOTS HOlE sums 31.3 AvERAsE) FEZ DIFFERENCE 82 SHOTSMORE snos 2 6 1 AVERAGE 396 DIFFERENCE 95 SHOTS LESS DIFFERENCE 77 mao74,32 SHOTS LESS INV ENTOR A BY WMfalpLvWr-M I I I ATTORNEYS June 29,1965 A. vEccHloTTl 3,191,534

ADJUSTABLE WAD DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOOTING CARTRIDGES i Filed Jan.16, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet' 4 59 #A 8 INVENTOR BY www uw ATTORNEY` UnitedStates Patent O 3,191,534 ADJUSTABLE WAI) DEVICE FOR HUNTING AND SHOTINGCARTRDGES Ado Vecchiotti, 185 Corso Mazzini. Ascoli Piceno, Italy' FiledJan. 16, 1963, ser. No. 251,972 Claims'priority, application Italy, Jan.20, 1962, 787/62; Dec. lil, 1962, 23,974/62 4 Claims. v(Cl. 102.-95)

The present invention relates to a wad device made of plastic materialhaving a strong gas seal and high elasticity for hunting cartridges.

It is known that the gunpowder charge for a cartridge can vary Withinthe limits of plus or minus 5 ctgr., depending upon the season, theclimate, the height from sea level, the temperature and so on.

In the instant case, one of the best gunpowders available on the marketfor charging cal. rl2 can have various quantities, one of which is:'2.10 gr. of gunpowder for 33 gr. of shot with a weak 6.45 priming cap.Another quantity can be: 2.15 of gunpowder for 36 gr. of shot, withdouble strength priming cap. The` shot used can have a diameter 2.5 mm.One `gram thereof contains 11 shots.

It is also known that by diminishing the normal quantity of thegunpowder, a certain advantage will be obtained, i.e. a higherconcentration of shot in the pattern, however a disadvantage occurs dueto a lower velocity and therefore a minor penetration.

On the contrary, when the quantity of the gunpowder is increased,various disadvantages are obtained, such as a greater dispersion andalso less penetration.

In other words, the shot does not behave like a gun bullet and due tothe known behavior of the gunpowders, a compulsory `limit exists for thegunpowder quantity, to which a determined charge of shot corresponds.

Up to now, the normal quantity of gunpowder, supplied a given speed ofthe shot and a'given concentration for instance at or 40 meters, andsubstantial changes, above or below the normal gunpowder quantity, inorder to affect the velocity or the concentration, were not possible.

Gunpowders have been studied having a more progressive ignition,ditferent closures have been embodied, and several kinds of wads havebeen studied, in order to affect the velocity andthe concentration, butthe problem remained unsolved.

For some years there have been manufactured certain special Shotguns forMagnum cartridges, charged with 46 grams of shot, in order to cause moreshot to reach the pattern at greater ranges, as no other means existsfor increasing the concentration and for avoiding the great dispersionof the shot at long ranges (40 meters and more). However these Magnumcartridges have a low velocity and this expedient in order to send moreshot into the pattern gives no remarkable result. This proves thatvelocity and concentraion are still contrasting factors and the problemis still Waiting for a solution.

The main object of the present invention is to avoid the aforesaidbehavior of the gunpowders and radically modify the conventional chargeof a cartridge, thereby controlling the charge and therefore theresults, While acting, as much as possible on the velocity (penetration)and particularly on the concentration of the shot in the pattern.

The first step in order to obtain these results, is creating gunpowderquantities lower than the normal charges, for instance 15, 30, 45, 60ctgr. less than said normal charges, and after having departed from thenormal charge of the gunpowder and even more from the critical charge,to substitute other substantial non ballistic propelling means, in eachcase, for the amount of removed gunpowder, until the velocity is broughtto the ice desired normal value, or increasing said velocity, ifdesired. Y

This iirst step can be embodied in a first instance as follows:

With a constant gunpowder charge, always decreasing variations of thegunpowder, using novel propelling means which are adjustable andgradually increasing.

The second instance is the reverse expedient:

To leave constant the gunpowder charge, and to gradually increase thecharge of the shot, with relation to the adjustable propelling means. Y

A third instance, which is a consequence of the two first recitedinstances, is by `acting to proportionally increase the charge and theshot in relationship with the various propelling non ballistic means.

As the propelling means have a greater sealing action, the eificacy ofwhich, comparable to the gunpowder, canl change from 5 to 20 ctgr. andin order that the expedient will not originate a greater burstingpressure, according to the charge to be made, it is possible topreviously selectV at will, the char-ges of gunpowder and of shot,always taking account of the priming devices which may beweak, mediumstrength, double strength.

An important result follows from the above, which is that the shot willwithstand better a minor ballistic propulsion, added with a mechanicalthrust obtained by the adjustable wad system according to the presentinvention. Another object of this invention is that of using the n lowerbursting pressure in order to operate the Wad system and cause the wadto have at the barrel nozzle, i.e.

at the narrowing, its greatest eicacy and to transmit the greatestthrust together with that due to the combustion of the gunpowder and tothe greater seal of the same wad.

These and other objects will be better illustrated later A main featureof the various types of Wad is that said wads have inside certain radialribs or girders. These ribs can extend throughout the height of the wador be limitedV to a part thereof, and are connected at the periphery tothe lateral wall of the wad or outer pillar, and at the center toanother inner cylindrical pillar which may have either a tubular shapeor to be solid. Said ribs, in the number of eight or more, define voidspaces or sectors similar to air chambers. also be arc shaped.

Other characteristics are:

The wad can be open at its top and at its bottom, or it can be closed bya single flat element located either at the top or bottom.

The flat element can be displaced, and the height of the ribs can bereduced.

When the ribs are reduced only on one part, the wad can have a recess;if the ribs are reduced also at the opposite part, said wad can have tworecesses, one above and the other below the ribs.

An important feature .is that within the recesses are inserted -discs orelastic rings made of rubber or any material, for instance cork,.resting flat on the ribs and protected a-t their periphery by .the4lateral wall of the Wad; in other words these elements are shielded.

In .this case, the rubber discs lor rings, submitted to pressure fromany direction are compressed onto the edges of the ribs and in theirother parts they enter into the air chambers or the void sectors betweenthe ribs, tak-ing thus the form of small slings which at the moment oftheir release give the wad, also made of a slightly elastic material,the property of affording a high elasticity in the direction of the axisof the barrel.

Another feature is that each wad, which has high ribs,

Patented .lune 29, 1965 In certain cases the ribs can` ing as aprojection, the wad has the power of crosswise expanding and of fittingto the inner surface :of .the barrel, like an air chamber tire, incomparison with a solid tire, on a projection of a road.

Each .solid wad having pores lor irregular voids, or knots or hardelements due to bad manufacture, operates badly within the narrowing ofthe barrel and cannot operate uniformly and remain always level like theair chamber wad. It occurs often, for instance, that in a series of tenrifle-shots, with conventional wads, remarkable diiferences will occurbetween the riiie-shots, either in percent and in distribution andconcentration of the shot in the pattern and this is due to defects ofthe wad which does not remain level during the operation.

The battledore drum devices (hereinafter call drum devices) which willbe described later Ion, are different from the various types of wads, inthat their height is considerably reduced and since in this case Lalsothe ribs have a considerably reduced height, said ribs are able tospring together with the plane to which they are connected, against theelastic elements, and vice-versa.

The principle of the battledore drum is known and in this case it must`be considered that instead of a sole ball, a group of shot will receivea .thrust which will be the greater, the greater the elasticity of 4themechanical propelling means, added to the ballistic propulsion initiallydiminished.

All conven-tional wads have an almost passive operation. They aredamaged passing along the barrel and are axially crushed, so that theirheight will be very diminished in the narrowing of the barrel. This factdoes not occur to such an extent in the wad device according to thisinvention and both the wads and the drum devices having horizontal orarc shaped ribs, although having a remarkable axial springing, due tothe elastic elements, maintain their entire height and therefore theirseal.

The final propelling effect of a solid wad is that of a damaged bodywhich serves the sole purpose of sealing the gas, which occurs with wadsmade of felt, wool, cork and also in wads made of plastic material,filled with sawdust or cork agglomerate. The various kinds of wadsaccording to the present invention, yield, on the contrary, in thenarrowing of the barrel, the whole energy received during the path fromthe start of their m-ovement to the barrel nozzle and their function is,therefore, a highly act-ive function.

Another feature consists in that some kinds of wads can have in theirlower portion a ring about 3 mm. high made -of plastic material. Thisring is provided with a 12 mm. diameter centr-al hole and at this holeeight or more arc shaped ribs are provided so as to form a kind Iof domeshaped `rib unit.

A plastic material particularly suitable for the wads according to thepresent invention is the Dylt type polyethylene compound produced byUnion Carbide Co. of New York. Other types of polyethylene materialshaving a higher melting point have not given comparable results.

Another feature is that in relationship with the removed amount ofgunpowder, or in relation with the amount of shot to be added, there hasbeen established various kinds of adjusted wad, termed: types 1, 2, 3, 4tand also types II, III, IV, B. The later types can replace the firstcited types, and having a greater efficacy, they serve for imparting agreater velocity to the shot `and therefore a greater penetration,without remarkably -affecting the concentration.

The etficacy of the 1 type is such as to -allow the substitution of 15ctgr. of gunpowder remover, or to increase 3 gr. of shot charge, andthus up .to a maximum of about 60 ctgr. yof gunpowder or 12 gr. of shotfor the 4 type.

It is known that all wads made tof plastic material, and also thosepresently available as the market, under particular conditions cause thebursting pressure to increase,

sometimes even above the normal value and a good shooting cartridge,with a double strength cap, must not exceed 600 atm. as a burstingpressure; preferably the pressure must be about 550 atm. and morepreferably the pressure should be 500 atm., although maintaining thenormal veloci-ty.

The wording normal velocity means that a hunting cartridge must have aV10 about 305-310 m./sec. and a shot cartridge must have a V10 nearer-to 330 m./sec. The V10 practically denotes the velocity of the shot atl0 m. from the muzzle of the gun, and it will be chronographicallyobtained by the sum of the velocity of the shot at the muzzle .and at 20m. divided by two.

According 4to the lopinion of skilled persons, the bare plasticmaterial, when contacting the inner surface of the barrel, even ifcoated with paraffin, does not glide like a wad made of felt or cork,but by adhesion, sticking, gluing with a greater elasticity than theother used materials, `and originates a greater seal thereby increasingthe pressure.

Tests have shown that bare wads made of plastic material, like thosepreviously described, and charged with a 6.45 cap, yield a low pressureand optimum velocity and concentration.

By coupling the wad and the drum device, i.e. increasing the height andthe charge of shot, and using the double strength cap, pressureincreases beyond the normal limit occur, and this even with a reducedamount of gunpowder.

In order to avoid this drawback, according to this invention there hasbeen applied to the bare wads an outer coating consisting of a cardboardtube.

The cardboard tube used in manufacturing the cartridge cases of 16 cal.is very suitable for manufacturing this casing. This cardboard tube iswell fitted for the purpose both `as to its thickness `and its diameterand being able to be cut to various lengths as needed.

Having thus avoided contact of the plastic material with the innersurface of the barrel, it also prevents the rings or rubber discs fromcoming into contact with the barrel.

By the casing, the high pressures are carried back to the normal limits,while the low pressures will be further diminished.

With the above and other objects in view which will become apparent fromthe detailed description below,

some preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a top and bottom open wad, with twopillars; the tube shaped outer pillar and the inner pillar;

FIG. 2 is a plan view taken along the plane X--X of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line III-III ofFIG. 2 or according to the plane Y-Y of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a three pillar wad having an outer,intermediate and inner pillar;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view 0f a type of wad where the intermediatepillar has been shortened and reduced to a collar element which isengaged with the ribs, supports, together with the other two pillars;also the central pillar has been reduced at the bottom together with theribs, so

" as to obtain a recess about 3 mm. high for an elastic element;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 showing the elasticelement inserted into the recess;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a type of wad like that of FIG. 6,wherein the plane has been lowered, and the ribs have been furtherreduced so that two recesses are provided, i.e. a recess over the ribsand a recess under the ribs;

FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 8 with the two elastic elements inserted intothe recesses;

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a composite wad obtained bysuperposing two wads like that of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a View similar to FIG. 7 and shows an adjusting member on theupper plane of the wad which is beveled at its periphery, when thediameter of the adjusting mernber is 6, 7, or 8 mm. The wad with theadjusting member in a single piece can be obtainedwith no recess for theelastic element and with no bevel at the upper end of the adjustingmember;

FIG. 11 shows a plan view of a horizontal rib drum device;

The dotted lines show the ribs connected to the inner pillar and to theouter pillar with no collar element and with no intermediate pillar;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional View taken along section line K'--K of FIG.11 showing the recess for an elastic element;

FIG. 13 is like FIG. 12 with the elastic element inserted into itsrecess; j

FIG. 14 shows a cross section of a drum device with arc shaped ribs. Inthe plane over the arc shaped ribs, a recess for an elastic element isprovided;

FIG. 15 is like FIG. 14 and shows the elastic element inserted withinits recess;

FIG. 16 shows a cross sectional view of a type of single piece wad withhorizontal ribs and arc shaped ribs. Into the recess the elastic elementhas been inserted; FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of the chargemade by the type 1 wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 8 provided with a corkdisc inserted into the upper recess and with a rubber disc inserted intothe lower recess;

FIG. 18 shows a cross sectional view ofthe charge made by the type 2wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 8 provided with two inserted rubber discs;

FIG. 19 shows a cross sectional view of the charge made by the type 3wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 8 with two inserted cork discs, plus thedrum device of FIG. 13 provided, in its recess with a rubber disc;

FIG. 20 shows a cross sectional view of the charge made by the type 4wad, i.e. by the wad of FIG. 9 provided with a cork disc inserted intothe upper recess `and a rubber disc inserted into the lower recess, plusthe drum device of FIG. 13 provided with a rubber disc in its recess;

FIG. 21 is a guide diagram to be followed for carrying out the chargingoperation with the adjustable wad system;

FIG. 22 shows a cross sectional view of the adjustable type 5 wad, to beused in determined cases, as will be set forth below. In the upper partis shown the wad of FIG. 8 with two inserted rubber discs; in the lowerpart has been shown the drum device of FIG. 13 provided with a rubberdisc in its recess. The type 5 is provided with three rubber discs inits three recesses;

FIG. 23 is a diagram to be followed fora strong charge with armouredcartridge case and with a double strength priming device;

FIG. 24 is a diagram of the charging operation for a conventionalcartridge A', which cannot be made in any of the three modes as shown bythe arrows; neither leaving constant the gunpowder and increasing theshot charge as shown at O, nor progressively increasing the gunpowderand shot charge as shown at N, nor diminishing the gunpowder, leavingconstant the shot charge as denoted at M;

FIGS. 25, 26, 27 and 28, are diagrams showing the advantages obtained inthe comparison at 4() meters, between a cartridge A (FIG. 21) having aconventional charge and the cartridges F, P and L also of FIG. 21,charged with the adjustable wad device according to the presentinvention;

FIGS. 29, 30 and 31 are diagrams showing the advantages obtained in thecomparison at 40 meters between a cartridge A" of FIG. 23 withconventional charge, and the cartridges Q and L of FIG. 23, charged bythe adjustable wad device;

FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 are diagrams showing the advantages obtained in thecomparison between a cartridge L (FIG. 23) and (FIG. 33) charged by theadjustable, wad device with 42 gm. shot, and the conventional chargeBabyMagnum cartridge with 42 gm. shot (FIG. 32), and

the conventional charge cartridge Magnum with 46 gm.

shot (FIG. 34);

FIG. 35 shows a partial perspective view of a cardboard tube having anouter diameter equal to the inner diameter of the cal. 12 cartridgecase, the thickness being about 0.75

. mm. while the inner diameter is about 17 mm. This tube,

One 3-4 mm. length will form a simple length, while a 5 or more mm.length will form a double length;

FIG. 37 shows a cross sectional view of a non-closed wad provided with acasing, into which have been inserted from the bottom upwardly; a corkmember, a Vrib segment, an elastic element (rubber ring) and a secondcork member;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the top and bottom closed completedwad, obtained by closing the free portions of the casing as shown inFIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view of a wad with casing and two elasticelements. Thereinto have been inserted from the bottom upwardly a corkmember, an elastic element (rubber ring), a lrib segment, a secondelastic element (rubber ring) and then a second cork member;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the wad of FIG. 39 closed at its -topand Abottom ends;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a rib segment made of plastic material,wherein the ribs are parallel and separated by parallel grooves betweenthe ribs;

FIG. 42 is a perspective View of a double combined rib segment in asingle piece;

The lattice shaped upper ribs directly rest on the plane supported bythe parallel lower ribs;

FIG. 43 shows a cross-sectional view of a wad with the casing, intowhich have been inserted from the bottom upwardly; a rubber disc, acombined double rib segment, and a second rubber disc;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the completed Wad, top and bottomclosed, obtained by closing the top and bottom parts of the casing inFIG. 43;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a double, single piece, combined ribsegment. The upper ribs, intersecting at the center, directly rest onthe plane supported bythe parallel lower ribs;

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of a simple radial rib segment, with no innerpillar and outer pillar.

With respect to the embodiment of the wad system with inner ribs, onekind of wad (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) consists of a side wall 1- (or outer pillar)and of a tube shaped inner pillar 2.

These two pillars are connected by the eight horizontal ribs 3,extending throughout the height of the wad, and between two radialadjacent ribs, regu-lar empty sectors 4 exist similar to air chambers.The ribs can be 1-2 mm. or more thick.

The connection 5 of the ribs 3 to the outer pillar 1 is flared in orderto have the outer pillar 1 well adherent to the inner surface of theba-rrel.

This wad (FIGS. 1, 2, 3) can be obtained in plastic and elasticmaterials by molding in a die, but also by eX- trusion since the pieceis open at the top and bottom, and when extruded it can be cut accordingto the desired` height.

During the charging operation, these wads are closed at the top andbottom byV means of thin discs of plastic materials together withcard-boards.

The wad shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 besides the pillars 1 and 2 is providedwith a third intermediate pillar 6 which acts upon the ribs intermediatetheir length.

The third intermediate pillar 6 (FIGS. 4 and 5) serves the purpose ofincreasing the seal, Since when the ribs are thin, during theiroperation, they bend and the thicker 'they are, the less .they bend, and`when they lare thickened, they have a better operation and increase theseal.

Each operation of the wads has been observed from several standpoints byintroducing said wads into a frustocone obtained from a metal cylinder,with tl e inlet having a greater hole with a diameter equal to that ofthe inside of the cartridge case, while the outlet hole has the diameterof the maximum narrowing of the barrel.

The wad of FIG. 6 is embodied with a thin plane 7 closing one side ofthe wad. The intermediate pillar has a reduced height and forms a collar8; the ribs 3 and the central pillar 2 have their height shortened inorder to form a recess 9 within the wad, in which an elastic element isinserted (FIG. 7).

The details of the elastic element are a rubber or cork disc, l5 mm.diameter and 3 mm. high; a rubber ring having mm. outer diameter, 6 mm.inner diameter and 3 mm. high, the inner hole being closed by a rubberor cork disc 6 mm. diameter and 3 mm. high.

The lrubber ring is more free to enter into the voids between twoadjacent ribs, but there is not a great difference in efficacy between arubber disc and a rubber ring; on the contrary, the ellicacy of a corkdisc is reduced in comparison with a rubber disc.

The wad of FIG. 8 has its plane 7 lowered, and also lowered are the ribs3 and the collar 8 so as to obtain, over the plane 7 (FIG. 8), a secondrecess 9 equal to the lower recess 9. In FIG. 9, said two recesses havehad inserted therein the two elastic elements 10 consisting of rubberdiscs.

The drum device, FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, which is denoted by the referencecharacter a car-ries the plane 7 connected to the ribs 3 about 3 mm.high. The ribs 3 which are very reduced, can spring together with theplane 7. The elastic element 10 is inserted into the recess ot FIG. 13.

Its operation is like that of a drum, since when submitted to pressurefrom any side, the plane 7 will be deflected with the ribs 3 and thelatter bear against the elastic element 10 (FIG. 13) which in turn whensubmitted to pressure from any direction, bears against the ribs to fillthe empty sectors between the adjacent ribs obtaining thus the aforesaideight little slings connected to one another.

In fact if the little triangles existing under the plane 7, between theadjacent ribs are colored with black ink, and a red disc or rubber ringis inserted, and after the shot the inserted element 10 is checked, onthe disc or ring 8, black triangles will be printed; the prints will bemore precise on the ring than on the disc.

This demonstrates that the elastic elements operate during the passagethrough the barrel and ill the spaces between the ribs, until contactingthe lower surface of the plane 7. This operation by compression, andalso by traction on the edge of the ribs, makes their behavior to belike that of little slings under tensile stress, said slings at themoment of their release, at the muzzle of the barrel, where the tensilestress is maximum due to the effect of the narrowing, transmit to theoverlying wad and therefore to the shot a strong thrust in axialdirection.

The drum device of FIGS. 14 and 15, which can be denoted by thereference character b has a scaling and thrust force greater than thoseof the drum device a as the plane 13 will bend on the arc shaped rings12 (FIG. 14), and these do not deflect as they are edge stressed andpress on their connection base, i.e. on the innerl portion of theplastic ring 11 which is pushed against the inner wall of the barrelexerting a strong gas seal.

In this case the arc shaped ribs will take the shape of dome shapedribs, and the dome shaped ribs have more strength than the hat ribs.

In the narrowing of the barrel, the ring 11, will be restricted and thesum of the forces whereby the drum device b has been loaded along thebarrel (as the elastic element 10 of FIG. 15, compresses the plane 13against the ribs 12) will develop towards the axial direction againstthe overlying wad and therefrom to the shot group.

The wad of FIG. 18 is the coupling of two drum devices a and b and canbe obtained by the same means as are separately obtained the two drumdevices a and b. The wad of FIG. 16 and the drum of FIG. 15 are sparemeans which can be used particularly if the gunpowders presently chargedin the Magnum cartridges with 46 gm. of shot should be marketed. In thecontrary case, their best use will be made by the manufacturers chargingthe Magnum and Baby-Magnum cartridges. The manufacturers charge theMagnum cartridges and they have never marketed the gunpowder wherebysaid cartridges are charged.

Tests have been made for several years of various types of caseconcentrators, and it is noted that the narrowing of the barrel damagesthe case and therefore the results. It was decided that in order toincrease the concentration it was necessary to start from minor burstingpressures, and to increase gradually said concentration by non-ballisticmeans. A greater concentration was possible, diminishing the gunpowdercharge, but this resulted also in a lower velocity of the shot.

Therefore the more elastic the member forming the plane of the drum, thegreater is the range and the eicacy is far less if the plane of the drumhas a less elastic member for instance such as textile fabrics, or wood,cork, felt, etc. Therefore, a great difference of efficacy could existbetween a conventional wad and a high elasticity wad.

A more elastic wad, therefore would largely increase the shot velocityallowing a reduction of the amount of gunpowder and thereby the burstingpressure. The two types of drum a and b were developed and within theirrecesses cork discs were placed. Further tests demonstrated that theeiiicacy of the drums a and b could be increased if the cork discs werereplaced by a rubber disc or a ring 3 mm. thick, and at parity ofconditions, the drum b had a greater eflicacy than a.

The features of the two drums were combined thereby obtaining a wad likethat of FIG. 16.

With further tests it was noted that a similar wad increased thebursting pressure, and removing certain amounts of gunpowder, first 5ctgm. (centigrammes) then 10 ctgm. and so on, the bursting pressure waslowered but not the real propelling force, since the minor amount ofgunpowder was replaced by the greater seal of the wad and the rubberelement, so Ithat the shot penetration was carried again to its normalvalue, with the advantage of having an improved penetration with 25ctgm. of gunpowder removed.

By calculating by means of tests the seal and the elasticity of the wadit was possible to adapt the gunpowder charge to the kind of wad, andadapting various minor charges of gunpowder to Various types ofgraduated wad, while keeping unaltered the charge of .shot 33 gm., seeC, D, E, F, of FIG. 21.

Vice-versa by keeping unaltered the amount of gunpowder, 1.90 gm., seeC, G, I, L (FIG. 21), it was ascertained that the dilerent eiicacy ofthe types of graduated Wads allowed the shot charge to be graduallyincreased (33-36, 39-42 gm.) see G, H, I, L (FIG. 2l).

By adding the seal of the wad or of the wads to the high elasticity ofthe rubber elements, and graduating the wad, it was possible to obtainwide and substantial thrust oscillations and changes, with no dangersince the operation occurred under bursting pressures lower than thestandard, and well removed from the critical value.

By tests, established the rst four wad types, i.e.

Type: 1, 2, 3, 4-

G with type l-H with type 2 I with type 3-L with type 4 (FIG. 21)

By stepping up these four types, i.e. removing the type I and startingby type 1I and adding a fifth type, it was possible to replace the rstfour types by the others: II-IIIIV-V, to obtain G with type II-H withtype III I with type IV-L with type V when a greater elastic thrust wasdesired to obtain a greater velocity of the shot, in comparison with thetypes l, 2, 3, 4.

By way of example L-l.90 X 42-l-type 4, has a determined thrust; thesame cartridge L, with 1.90 X Ll2-l-type V, as the type `V has a rubberelement more than the type 4, will have a greater thrust, but at parityof gunpowder which is always 1.90 gm.

With respect to the charge, to the four cartridge of FIGS. 17, 18, 19and 20, there have been applied the four types of wad: l, 2, 3 and 4respectively.

Into the cartridge case 14 (FIG. 17) there is lirst placed the gunpowder15, then the cardboard 16, a woolen wad 17. the inner rib wad 18 and athin disc 19 made of plastic material, or a cardboard, and over thelatter in the space 20 the shot.

The wad 18, is like the wad of FIG. 8; in this case into the upperrecess there is inserted a cork disc, while in the lower recess a rubberdisc is located.y

In FIG. 18, the parts are like FIG. 17, but the wad 18 which is the wadof FIG. 8 is provided with two rubber elastic elements.

In FIG. 19, into the cartridge case 14, are located the gunpowder 15, acard-board 16, the drum device 21 with its rubber disc as in FIG. 13,the wad 1S is that of FIG. 8 carrying the cork disc within the upperrecess and also in the lower recess, and a card-board 19 or a thin discof plastic material.

In FIG. 20, 4over the card-board 16 is located the drum device 21 as inFIG. 13, with a rubber disc as a drum device a, then the wad 18 as inFIG. 8 carrying v two elastic elements specifically, a cork element inthe upper recess and a rubber element in the lower recess, and iinallythe cardboard 19 or a thin disc of plastic material.

The difference between the types l and 2, having both Wads the sameheight and therefore the @same seal, with 5 ctgm. of gunpowder, consistsin that the type 2 wad has a rubber disc more. In types 3 and 4 thereexists a greater seal of the two pieces, i.e. wad and drum, with about20 ctgm. of gunpowder, and also the dilerence of a rubber disc more inthe type 4 in comparison with the type 3.

In shooting tests on targets consisting of three superposed plates madeof flat, thick poplar plywood 6 X 60 crn., spaced apart from one anotherby means of wood boards l cm. thick, the penetration was tested intosaid targets of the shot charged as in A (FIG. 2l) by 2.10 X 33 or in A"(FIG. 23) by 2.15 X 36.

These cartridges A and A" impart to the shot a Velocity about 300 metersper second at 30 meters from the barrel muzzle; this would be thestandard velocity of the best cartridges.

When known the standard penetration into said plywood targets each ofdierently graduated type, with changes of ctgm. of gunpowder from oneanother and a constant amount of shot C, D, E, F (FIG. 2l) must have thesame aforesaid penetration.

First the charge was reduced of a conventional cartridge A (FIG. 2l)consisting of 2.10 gm. of gunpowder and 33 gm. of shot, down to 1.90 X`30 as in B (FIG.

21) to start the application of type l, but also with respect to thegreater seal of the wad in I and L, in order to obtain them then C-l.90X 33-type 1, in comparison with B-LQO X (FIG. 2l) were charged andvarious sets of cartridges were tested with type 1, with 2.00-195-1.90-l.85 gm. of gunpowder and constant shot charge (33 gm.) and thenthe quantities which were the most approximate were selected, as topenetration, to those previously obtained as standard into the targets.

Thus in D the type 2 wad is capable of replacing the l5 ctgm. ofgunpowder removed with respect to B and the 3 gm. of shot added, alsowith respect to B.

Generally, it is considered that 15 ctgm. of gunpowder are necessary toprovide the ballistic thrust to 3 gm. shot and therefore if:

A-2.l0 X 33 has a given penetration, and D-1.75 X .3S-Hype 2 has thesame penetration being the difference between A and D equal to 35 ofgunpowder, it is possible to state that the thrust force of the type 2is equal to 35 ctgm. of gunpowder.

In the same way it is possible to establish that the greatest thrust oftype 3, i.e. of the wad and the drum, plus the rubber disc and two corkelements, is about 45 ctgm., while the thrust of the type 4, is about 60ctgm. Y

of gunpowder.

The cartridge A 2.15 X 36 (FIG. 23) with a strong charge and a doublestrength priming has been reduced as in B down to 1.75 X 30, i.e. fromthe cartridge A" there have been removed about 40 ctgm. of gunpowder and6 gm. of shot. This greater reduction of gunpowder has also the purposeof diminishing the bursting pressure, since it is convenient to operatemainly by elasticity rather than by a greater amount of gunpowder.

If we consider a strong cartridge with a double strength priming, likethe cartridge Q (FIG. 23) where it is easier to note the differences ofbursting pressures, and charge and test two sets of live cartridgesrespectively with:

Q-'-l.90 X 36 with type 1 and Q-1.90 X 36 type 2 andv take the percentof the results, we shall nd:

40 m.-Q with type l results in 76.5% 4t) n1.-Q with type 2 results in74% of Q with type 2 and not by an added amount of gunpowder and theconcentration only slightly changes as the bursting pressure is equal itis possible to state that we are in the position of increasing thevelocity at the expense of the elasticity without prejudicially aiectingthe concentration. And this is the best possible result obtainable inorder to conciliate the penetration and the concentration.

The bursting pressure of A-2.l5 X 36 will never be lowered below 25ctgm. of gunpowder without largely damaging the penetration, while by Qwith type l and by Q with type 2, this result can be reached, obtainingwith type l a normal velocity and a high concentration, and with Q withtype 2 an increased velocity with very little diminished concentration.

In order to avoid any confusion, the charging is always made with thetypes l, 2, 3 and 4, it being however understood that said types l, 2, 3and 4 could be replaced by the types II, III, IV and V in order toobtain better results as to the velocity.

The type V, as aforesaid is that shown in FIG. 22 with three rubberdiscs which replace the type 4 when instead of the type l there isapplied the type II, when instead of type 2 there is applied the typeIII, and instead of the type 3 there is applied the type IV.

The type V has a thrust force, which can be compared to 15 ctgm. more ofgunpowder with respect to the type 4.

But the most interesting problem is that of keeping normal the velocityand of materially increasing the etlcacy of the shot pattern at thelonger ranges, i.e. of carrying more shot in the pattern at 40 metersand beyond, apart from the other advantages.

Considering again FIG. 21, we have L-1.90 X 42+type 4 and if thevelocity is to be increased, it would be possible to increase the 1.9()gm. of gunpowder to 1.95 or to 2.00, but by this expedient the burstingpressure would be increased, and in order to avoid this result, and tobetter reach our purpose, we make L-1.9O` x 42-l-type V, but We knowthat type V has an efficacy comparable to about l5 ctgrn. more than type4, and as we have no interest in an excess of the Velocity, the bestthing to d in order to obtain an optimum velocity and an optimumconcentration is to slightly diminish the gunpcwder, making:

L-1.85 x 42-l-type V By vertically developing F of FIG. 21, it is to benoted that both the gunpowder and the shot are proportionally increasedto reach 1.90 x 42, and in this case remains constant the type V4, i.e.the wad type. Since the same type of wad, if stressed by a greater shotcharge (greater weight) originates a greater elasticity, and theresults. with 1.90 X 42 and with 1.75 x 39 are optimum, while theresults with 1.60 x 36 and with 1.45 X 33 can be slightly less than thestandard. As to the velocity, it is possible to reach again the standardby increasing the gunpowder in these two last cited cases, to the amountof -10 ctgm. This is convenient also from the economical standpointsince before changing the type 4 into a type V it has to be consideredthat 5 or 10 ctgm. of gunpowd-er are far less expensive than a rubberdisc.

In numeral form, FIG. 24 shows the development of the charge of A (2.1 X33) by steps of 15 ctgm. of gunpowder and 3 gm. of shot.

In fact, developing in M, N, O the charge of A', as it has been made inthe diagram of FIG. 21, We will find charges in M having a deliciency ofgunpowder, in N an excess `of powder and shot and in O an excess ofshot.

It is known that if in a normal cartridge we diminish by 5 ctgm. thegunpowder charge or we increase by one gram the shot charge, theconcentration will already be increased.

In L, with 1.90 X 42-l-type V, we operate as if we removed 45 ctgm. fromthe charge of gunpowder necessary for imparting the thrust to 42 gm. ofshot (last datum of.

N (FIG. 24) 2.55 X 42) since the other 20 ctgm. are due to the greaterseal of the gas and must be considered as ballistic force. We have Lwith type V- 1.90 gunpowder 0.20 seal (to be considered as ballisticforce) 2.10 ballistic `force 0.45 elasticity 2.55 (actualthrust-ballistic force-lelasticity) If convenient we can modify thevarious charges of FIG. 21 with small amounts of gunpowder to be addedor removed (5-10 ctgni.) or with small amounts of shot to be added orremoved 1-2 gr. However, it is always suitable to operate with theelasticity of the types 1-2-3-4 and II-III-IV-V and with the latter,since this is possible, it is convenient to diminish a little thegunpowder instead of increasing same, in order to obtain better results.

lf the diagram of FIG. 21 can be considered to be the solution of thediagram of FIG. 24, and if the diagram of FIG. 21 is practicallysatisfactory, this z's due solely to the application in the charge ofthe various types of graduated wads which allow operating with an amountof gunpowder which is less than the standard and this largely affectsfavourably the concentration.

rIhe stepped up changes of ctgm. of gunpowdcr or 3 gm. of shot in thecharge of a conventional cal. 12 cartridge, are not possible, FIG. 24,and they are more impossible if repeated. By doing this, either welargely diminish the penetration (either diminishing the gunpowder orincreasing the shot charge) or we come within the paradox due to theincrease of the bursting pressure, by increasing proportionally andmaterially both the gunpowder and the shot.

Summarizing, the test stand will be able to establish more precisely thevarious charges, but the eticacy of the novel propelling means issubstantial and the wide limits enable us to operate under burstingpressures lower than the standard, and it is always possible to displacethe mechanical propelling means allowing the conciliation, tho variationand the improvement of the velocity or of the concentration or, and thisis more interesting, the remarkable increase or the charges of shotwithout having recourse to greater gunpowder charges.

Developing B to the right in FIG. 2l, we operate with a constant shotcharge; by developing B to the left we operate with a constant gnnpowdercharge; developing C, D, E, F, vertically according to the arrow, weoperate by changing in regular proportions both `the gunpowder and theshot, and the last obtained data are those concerning G, H, U, L. Ifoperating in F vertically, we have all quantities for charging33-36-39-42 gm. of shot with a single type of wad, i.e. type 4. Thelatter, as aforesaid can be replaced by the type V in order to increasethe velocity without remarkably disturbing the concentration.

Summarizing, the charging by the adjustable wad device remarkablymodifies all charging operations.

The first advantages are due to the minor amount of gunpowder used andto the possibility of using common cartridge cases with 5.45 caps inorder to charge 33-36- 39-42 gm. of shot.

If the conventional cartridge A shown in FIG. 21, with 2.10 X 33 gavepreviously good results, now, it can not be compared to F at parity ofconditions, but to a greater extent to L.

In FIGS. and 26 the cartridge F in comparison with A gives a pattern at40 meters, with an average of 276 shots of 363 shot, with a percent of76% and a dierence of shots more than A.

In FIGS. 26, 27, 28, comparing A to P, the latter in the pattern atmeters gives an average exceeding A by 58 shots; but the surprisingadvantages with a lot of shot, is to be found in the pattern at 40meters by L.

The average of L at 40 meters is 341 shots of 462 shot (FIG. 28) with adifference of 95 shot more with respect to A.

The A" of FIG. 23 and FIG. 30 is a conventional cartridge with 2.15 X 36with an armoured cartridge case and a double strength cap. This is avery good and costly cartridge.

Compared to Q FIG. 29, at parity of conditions, i.e.

with the same charge of shot, Q has an advantage beyond" 10% at 40meters with 42 shots more per average.

Between A and L (FIG. 31) it is impossible to limit the comparison topercent, as the shot charge is different; anyway, the average of L at 40meters is 82 shots higher than the average of A.

When considering the economie advantage, the armoured conventionalcartridge A has a minimum cost or" 8O lire while the cartridge P (FIG.27) can be charged now also with 36 gm. of shot even in the commoncartridge case; accordingly, the cost of the P cartridge will remainlabout `40 lire as lthe adjustable wad, in the case of P, with ltype 1,when the necessary moulds `are made, will have a cost lower than theconventional wad so that the cartridge P as a practical result will haveat 40 meters an advantage more than 10% with respect to A and, as tocost an advantage of about FIG. 32 shows the results of a Baby-Magnumcartridge I3 at 40 meters and FIG. 34 shows the results of a Magnumcartridge with 46 gm. of shot at 4() meters.

In the FIGS. 32 and 34, when compared with L of FIGS. 22 and 33 thereexists a great difference of lesS shot.

More precisely, the shot average of a Baby-Magnum cartridge (FIG. 32) at40 meters, is 77 shots less than the average of L" (equal shot charge)and the average of the shots at 40 meters of a Magnum cartridge (FIG.34) is 95 shots less than the average of L even if the latter is chargedwith 42 gm. of shot in comparison with the Magnum having 46 gm. of shot.

It is to be understood that many data of the diagrams are remarkablyexact and the results are optimum from any standpoint so that the teststand, in certain cases, will only be able to indicate the way ofmodifying the ratiosI for Wad, gunpowder and shot in order to obtainfurther improvements. v

It is known that all expedients adopted in order to improve the resultsof a cartridge, often failed when practically tested, and the causethereof was the behavior of the gunpowder.

vThe strong activity of the gradual wad device causes the operation tooccur under low pressure, however, without diminishing the actualpropelling force and thus the shot velocity; also, the low burstingpressure causes the concentration to be increased without affecting thevelocity and therefore the penetration.

The proof is given by the optimum results which demonstrate that theVelocity and the concentration are not contrasting elements, and can beremarkably changed and improved.

With reference to FIGS. 35 to 46, a card-board tube 22, FIG. 35 having18.5 mm. outer diameter, and an inner diameter about 17 mm., and a wallabout 0.75 mm. thick, is cut to various lengths according to need, forinstance Iaccording to the dotted line 23 of FIG- 135, and forms thecasing or outer coating of the wad.

By eliminating the planes, the collar and the intermediate pillar of theplastic material wad, the tube 24 of FIG. 36 having the ribs 25 isobtained by extrusion from plastic material, and the reduction of itsouter diameter, carried to about 16 mm. is made at the expense of theouter pillar 24 so that the ribs 25 will be unaltered, as shown in FIG.35.

Each segment of ribs 27, FIG. 36, is cut to various heights according toneed, for instance according to the dotted line 23. This segment 27forms one of the pieces which is inserted into the casing together withthe other elements; rubber discs or rings, and cork members.

In order to obtain the wad of FIG. 38, the casing 22 (FIG. 37) is`prepared and into said casing are introduced; a cork member 29, a ribsegment 3i), an elastic element 31 (rubber ring) and a second corkmember 32. The two parts 33 of the casing which remain free are closedobtaining thus the nished wad 34 which is closed at top and bottom (FIG.38) and which has a single elastic element (rubber ring).

In the same way there is obtained the wad of FIG 40. Into the casing 22of FIG. 39, there are introduced; a cork member 35, an elastic element36 (rubber ring) a double rib segment 37, another elastic element 3S(rubber ring) and a second cork member 39. The two parts 33 of thecasing are closed and the nished wad 40 is obtained with two elasticelements (rubber rings), as shown in FIG. 40.

The rib segment 41 (FIG. 41) replaces the rib segment 27 (FIG. 36) andconsists of parallel ribs 42 spaced apart by grooves 43; the ribs aresupported by a thin plane 44.

In the same way, the ribsegment of FIG. 42 is a double combined ribconsisting of the lower portion 45 representing the whole piece of FIG.41 upside down, on the plane 46 of which (corresponding to the plane44), of FIG. 41 are provided the parallel ribs 47 intersected at 14right angles by other parallel ribs 48 defining empty spaces 49.

The upper portion of the segment of FIG. 42 with the perpendicularlycrossing ribslattice structure can be obtained as such, or as a doublestructure with a double top and bottom lattice segment.

In the same way, the segment of FIG. 41 with parallel ribs, can bedouble, having thus both the upper and the lower portion with parallelribs, or also it may be a double combined member as in FIGS. 42 and 45.

The ribs 42 and the grooves 43 of FIG. 41 as well as the ribs 47 and 48with the associated empty spaces 49 of FIG. 42 serve the purpose ofsubjecting to a tractive stress the rubber discs or rings, since it isnot necessary that each rib segment have the radial ribs 27 of FIG. 36.The rib segment 27 of FIG. 36 is very expensive, while the moulds forobtaining the rib segments or" FIGS. 41 and 42 can be embodied by meansof cutters of circular saws on wide metal plates, 1 cm. thick. On saidgrooved plates. the plastic Vmaterial is cast and then pressed,obtaining thus panels which are then cut or sheared.

The rib segments of FIGS. 41 and 42 are the most economical as theyrequire a little labour and low cost ma' chinery for their manufacture.

The wad of FIG. 44 is obtained by taking the casing 22 (FIG. 44) andinto which are inserted; a rubber disc S0, a double rib segment 51 as inFIG. 42 and a second rubber disc 52.

By closing the free parts 33 of the casing, the finished Wad 53 isobtained as in FIG. 44, top and bottom closed and showing, like allother wads, the folds 54 and the hole 55.

FIG. 45 is a segment of combined double ribs, consisting of the parallelribs 45, of the plane 46 whereon rests the six concentrical ribs 56,without an outer pillar, which define six empty spaces 57.

The upper portions of the segment of FIG. 46, with six concentrical ribs56 can be obtained as a such, as single segment or as a double segmentwith the concentrical ribs 56 at the top and bottom dened by the plane46.

FIG. 46 shows a top plan view of a simple radial rib segment, with noouter pillar and with no inner pillar. The ribs 58 rest on the plane 46and dene the empty spaces 59.

Even the rib segment shown in FIG. 46 can be embodied in double formi.e. it can have top and bottom radial ribs dened by the pane 46.

In order to demonstrate the advantages between a plastic material wadand a rib segment wad with the casing, a

comparison is made with the data obtained from the test stand.

A series of hunting cartridges with 6.45 cap (weak) charged with 2.05 x36-7 (2.05 gm. powder 36 gm. shot No; 7) i.e. with 5 ctgm. less ofgunpowder and 3 gm. more of shot, with respect to the conventionalcharge (2.10x 33--7) and with bare wad with a single elastic element(rubber ring) gave the results as follows:

Average pressure: 390 atm-average V10z315 msec.

A series identical to the aforedescribed series, with the sole change ofremoving the bare wad, and charging the top and bottom casing wad with asingle elastic element (rubber ring) equal to that of the precedingtest, gave results as follows:

Average pressure: 310 atm-average V10z317 m.sec.

Therefrom it results that the bare Wad with 6.45 cap, gave goodballistic results, and that the casing wad has little improved thealready optimum velocity, but with a far lower bursting pressure, i.e.8O atm. less.

However, the improvement does not relate only to the casing whichdiminishes the bursting pressure, but relates also to the fact that thegas seal will be now adjustable from inside the casing by changing thediameter of the elastic elements (rubber rings).

In order to render clear the difference between the axial elasticityvalue on one side, and the gas seal value on the other side, it will besuitable to disclose a test and the concerned data, as obtained at thetest stand.

After certain orientation tests in order to obtain the required velocityin the shooting cartridges, about 330 msec. with a double strength cap,a set of shooting cartridges was tested with the wads of FIGS. 37 and38, with a single rubber ring, having 16 mm. diameter and with 2.05 gm.X 36 i.e. with 10 ctgm. gunpowder less than the conventional charge 2.15x 36. The statement from the test stand was: average pressure 485atmosphere average V10330-6 msec.

Having then charged and tested a series of cartridges like the precedingone, with 1.95 gm. X 36 (i.e. 10 ctgm. gunpowder less than the precedingseries) and with a rubber ring having the same height but With 17 mm.diameter, the data from the test sand were:

Average pressure 531 amr-average V101331-4 msec.

Observing that the inner diameter of the casing is 17 mm. andconsidering the two preceding tests, we must state that the two rings,one having 16 mm. diameter and the second 17 mm. diameter, have Welloperated on the ribs, the first ring exerting a high elasticity in axialdirection and a low seal so as to be able to replace l ctgm. ofgunpowder, with respect to the conventional charge, with a very loWpressure and with a V more than acceptable.

ln the second test, on the contrary, in order to have a reliableresponse, 20 ctgm. of gunpowder was removed instead of 10 ctgm., asinthe rst test, always with respect to the conventional charging (2.15 X36) but a 17 mm. di-

ameter ring was used which at the start is adherent to the inner surfaceofthe casing.

In the second test, due to the less amount of gunpowder, 10 ctgm. less,with respect to the rst test, a minor pressure and a lower velocity ofthe shot would have to be found, and if this did not occur, and on thecontrary both data or" pressure and velocity are slightly increased withrespect to the first test, this variation of behavior and of the resultsmust be attributed to the rubber ring having a greater diameter, 17 mm.which operated as an elastic value in the axial direction, in the sameway as the 16 mm. diameter ring but with a greater seal of the gas,increasing the pressure of 46 atm., exerting thus a greater thrustcrosswise With respect to the inside of the casing, and therefrom to theinner surface of the barrel, with the result of a greater gas seal.

As the pressure and Velocity data have been optimum in both tests, inthe casing wad with rib segment, each rubber ring having 16 mm. diameter(ie. 1 mm. less than the inner diameter of the casing), replaces the 10ctgm. of gunpowder with a strong elasticity and associated less seal ofthe gas, and that each 17 mm. diameter rubber ring, replaces 20 ctgm. ofgunpowder, the action of which partially develops as axial elasticityand partially as better gas seal.

The 17 mm. diameter ring caused the average pressure to increase from485 atm. to 531 atm., and also the velocity is slightly increased, andthis cannot be attributed to the amount of powder, the charge of whichwas 10 ctgm. less with respect with the charge made with the wadprovided with the 16 mm. diameter ring;

1t is possibie to conclude that if V10 is more than acceptable in bothcases, this operation is due to the activity of the casing wad, and hasnow a value, established by the test stand which can be compared to 10ctgm. gunpowder in the first instance while in the second instance theactivity of the wad is double and can be compared to 20 ctgm. gunpowder,and this is due not only to the sole elasticity in the axial direction,but also to the better seal due to the 17 mm. diameter ring incomparison with the 16 mm. diameter ring.

Once established technically, instead of empirically the value of theactivity of a same casing Wad, which with a 16 mm. diameter ring equals10 ctgm. gunpowder and with a 17 mm. diameter ring equals 20 ctgm.gunpowder, is clear.

As far as the concentration is concerned, skilled persons, followingnational and international customary practice, test the cartridges at 35meters in order to examine the shot pattern and to make comparisons, asthe case may be.

It is known that an optimum cartridge with 36 gm. of size 7 shot 2.5 mm.diameter must give a percentage of of the shot within a 76 cm. diametercircle at 35 meters.

The percentage found for the cartridges having the casing Wad and the 16mm. diameter ring has been 80% at 35 meters, and the percentage foundfor the cartridges with casing wad and 17 mm. diameter ring has been 82%at 35 rn., and this also due to the fact as previously set out that bydiminishing the gunpowder and leaving constant the shot charge, always agreater concentration is obtained; however, in the related case, leavingunaltered the velocity, while in the conventional charging as will beexamined later on, the diminution of a small amount of gunpowder (10-15ctgm.) or the increase of an amount of shot (2-4 gm.) produces adiminution of velocity, which diminishes under the ruled limits and in avery convincing way. l

As tar as the purpose of conciliating the velocity and the concentrationis concerned, tests have been made with 6.45 cap for ve sets of tencartridges with the same amount of powder and shot (2.15 X 32-7), oneset with conventional charge and 16 mm. iris wad, while the other foursets have been tested With four different casing wads.

Having demonstrated that all sets with casing wads gave a velocityhigher than the velocity of the conventional set, with iris usual wad, acasing wad with two 16 mm. diameter rubber rings has been selected inorder to make further comparisons, and the test has been prosecuted atparity of gunpowder, but gradually increasing by two grams steps theshot charge. Calling A the conventional cartridge, and B the casing wadcartridge (the activity of which can be compared to about 20 ctgm.gunpowder) for clearness of description, the results of the comparisonhave been as follows:

A-average pressure 277 atm-V10 305.8 msec.

(average) B-average pressure 360 atm-V10 307.6 msec.

(average) By comparing these results and considering that the iris Wadis the best wad presently marketed, and that on the market are availableonly iris wads 10-111/2 mm. and 13 mm. high, while the manufacturers ofthe iris Wad have tested a iris high, having an higher eiiicacy, as farthe seal is concerned than the other wads, it is possible t0 state that:

Keeping the bursting pressure within the ruled limits, both in theconventional wads and in the casing wads, the conventional wads haveonly a passive function, serving only the purpose of the gas seal inorder to separate the powder from the shot s0 as to prevent the leadfrom melting.

The V10 of A has been lowered from 305.8 rn.sec. down to 300.2 msec.with two grams shot more, and has reached 297.3 msec. with four gramsshot more; but the velocities of 300.2 and 297.3 msec. do not comewithin the rules.

The V10 of B remained always higher and even with four grams shot more,said velocity was 307.6 msec.,

eing still higher than V10 of A (305.8 msec.) with a charge having fourgrams shot less.

In the test of A with 2.15 x 36-7 and Vm equal 297.3 msec., if it isdesired to increase the velocity, to carry same again to 305-306 msec.increasing 15-20 ctgm. the gunpowder, this would not be possible as by2.30-2.35 grams of gunpowder we would come close or We would exceed thelimit imposed by the gunpowder 17 paradox and abnormal results would beobtained; this charge would be irregular.

Concluding, the casing wad, well replaces the bare Wad made of theplastic material since the casing lowers the bursting pressure incomparison with the plastic material bare wad. The activity of thecasing wad remains since the elements contained Within the casing arebase-d on the considerations set out in the first part of thisspecification.

The difference of speed of A and B with 2.15 X 36 is more than msec. Byincreasing the normal charge of A (2.15 X 32) by the four grams or eventhe two grams of shot, the velocity will be lowered under the ruledvelocity.

The most convincing argument is that A, with 2.15 X 32 (i.e. with theconventional charge) has a 305.8 msec. velocity, while B well withstandsthe addition of four grams shot at parity of gunpowder, and with 2.15 X36 the velocity of B is 307.6 msec., i.e. higher than that of A withtour grams shot less.

The above arguments demonstrate that a casing Wad, the activity ofwhich, for instance can be compared to 20 ctgm. gunpowder, as in theconcerned case, can be beneiicially exploited in three different ways:

(1) To have a higher velocity, at parity of conditions, i.e. with acharge equalling the conventional charge and with a concentrationslightly increased (about 4%).

(2) To be able of charging four grams shot more, with respect to-theconventional charge and to obtain a velocity which is still higher thanthat given by the conventional charge. p

But four grams shot amount to 44 shot and it must be considered that B2.15 X 36 has a 307.4 msec. velocity and A with 2.15 X 32 has a 30.58msec. velocity. Therefore, at parity of gunpowder and with a velocityeven slightly increased, B carries into the pattern at 35 meters 325average shots, while A carries into the pattern at 35 meters 264 averageshots. From this comparison it appears that maintaining the velocity, Bcarries into the pattern at 35 meter 61 shots more, conciliatingvelocity and concentration and this was impossible by A.

(3) To be able of charging instead of 2.15 X 32 (conventional charge)1.95 X 32 (ie. removing 20 ctgm. guinpowder from the conventionalcharge) and to obtain about 10% greater concentration at maintainedvelocity.

1n the three cases, the greatest advantage is obtained by increasing theshot charge and this due to the fact (noted also empirically) that 36grams shot eXert a tensile stress onto the rubber elements on the ribs,to a greater extent than the 32 grams shot, and this is proved also bythe fact that the velocity, adding rst two grams and than four gramsshot does not diminish in the same proportions either in A and in B. TheV10 of A from 2.15 X 32 to 2.15 X 36 diminishes 8.5 msec. The V10 of Bfrom 2.15 X 32 to 2.15 X 36 diminishes 5.5 msec.

V10 of A with 2.15 X 32 comes within the limits at the beginning andthis represents the Optimum of the conventional charge and as previouslyexplained, two grams shot more are sufficient to cause the Vm of A to belowered to 300.2 msec. and this velocity, even for hunting cartridges isno more within the rules.

The above can be applied even to the cartridges termed low velocity(Magnum and Baby-Magnum) and in these cartridges, using for instance acasing Wad, the activity of which can be compared to 20 ctgm. gunpowder,it is possible to diminish only 10 ctgm. the gunpowder and obtain agreater velocity and in the meantime a concentration increased withrespect to the 10 ctgm. of removed gunpowder; this is another proof thatit will be possible to conciliate the velocity and concentration and tocombine two advantages halving the main of them, i.e. 20 ctgm.gunpowder.

The present invention has been illustrated and described in certainpreferred embodiments, it being however understood that constructivechanges might be practically adopted without departing from the scope ofthe claims.

1 claim:

1. An adjustable wad for shooting cartridges comprising in combination atubular housing having a bottom and top portion and having a centralbore, a first disc of plastic material arranged transversely in saidcentral bore, said disc having a series of ribs extending perpendicularfrom at least one flat surface, said ribs defining a plurality ofgrooves between said ribs and said one surface, at least one second discof rubber contacting said ribs of said rst disc in said housing and twocork discs forming the top and bottom elements of said wad, said tubularhousing folded transversely on the top and bottom portions to containall said discs as a unit wad, whereby upon nring said disc of rubberfills the grooves between said ribs of said disc of plastic materialproviding additional elasticity thereto and a secure gas seal.

Z. An adjustable wad as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perpendicularribs of said first disc of plastic material are spoke shaped.

3. An adjustable wad as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perpendicularribs of said first disk are substantially parallel to each other anddefine a plurality of parallel grooves on the surface contacting saiddisc of rubber ring.

4. An adjustable wad as claimed in claim 1, wherein the perpendicularribs of said irst disc of plastic material eXtend radially with respectto the longitudinal aXis of said housing and a plurality of parallelribs on the other surface of said rst disc dening a plurality ofparallel grooves.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,617,358 1 1/ 52Vecchiotti 102-42 2,986,998 6/ 61 Clark 102-42 3,095,817 7/ 63 Clark102-95 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,122,175 5 56 France. 1,136,976 1/57 France.1,149,454 7/ 57 France. 1,187,370 3/59 France. 563,555 6/57 Italy.

SAMUEL FEINBERG, Primary Examiner.

1. AN ADJUSTABLE WAD FOR SHOOTING CARTRIDGES COMPRISING IN COMBINATION ATUBULAR HOUSING HAVING A BOTTOM AND TOP PORTION AND HAVING A CENTRALBORE, A FIRST DISC OF PLASTIC MATERIAL ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY IN SAIDCENTRAL BORE, SAID DISC HAVING A SERIES OF RIBS EXTENDING PERPENDICULARFROM AT LEAST ONE FLAT SURFACE, SAID RIBS DEFINING A PLURALITY OFGROOVES BETWEEN SAID RIBS AND SAID ONE SURFACE, AT LEAST ONE SECOND DISCOF RUBBER CONTACTING SAID RIBS OF SAID FIRST DISC IN SAID HOUSING ANDTWO CORK DISCS FORMING THE TOP AND BOTTOM ELEMENTS OF SAID WAD, SAIDTUBULAR HOUSING FOLDED TRANSVERSELY ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM PORTIONS TOCONTAIN ALL SAID DISCS AS A UNIT WAD, WHEREBY UPON FIRING SAID DISC OFRUBBER FILLS THE GROOVES BETWEEN SAID RIBS OF SAID DISC OF PLASTICMATERIAL PROVIDING ADDITIONAL ELASTICITY THERETO AND A SECURE GAS SEAL.